Graham Potter has revealed that he is expecting three additions to his squad for the Champions League clash with AC Milan at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, but that N’golo Kante is unlikely to make it in time.
The Chelsea boss will be taking charge of the Blues for the third time following his move from Brighton to west London, having debuted in the Champions League with their 1-1 draw against RB Salzburg.
Having taken just one point from two games, a win at home against top seed AC Milan is needed to realistically have any chance of finishing top of their group, and in the process handing them a potentially easier round of 16 ties.
In their most recent clash with Crystal Palace, Edouard Mendy was absent through injury, while issues forced both Kai Havertz and Jorginho off in the second half before Conor Gallagher eventually fired in the winner against his former club.
There is good news for the trio, however, with Potter revealing that all three could feature against AC Milan. but that N’Golo Kante remained a doubt.
“Edou [Mendy] has been training with the team the last few days so he will be in the squad which is good news for us because we need as much competition for places”, he began.
“NG [Kante] is training more and more”, the Chelsea boss added. “Not fully but getting closer. So that’s really positive.”
The loss of Kante is one that is especially felt by the Blues, with the Frenchman’s absence raising questions about the viability of a back four that Potter has used previously.
Asked about that concept, Potter spoke of his importance, adding: “As I said it is hard to replace someone like him. Any team that loses him will suffer a little bit.
But it is for the other players to step up… If I look at the options I have got, although we don’t have a direct replacement, I [have to look into it].”
